Honourable Gregory Owen Brown
February 28, 1952 to December 13, 2023
Obituary
Honourable Gregory Owen Brown
Passed away peacefully at home in St. John’s, surrounded by his immediate family on December 13, 2023. Leaving to mourn wife and constant companion of 54 years Susan; son Andrew (Jill); daughters Amy Adams (Joel), Sarah Philpott (Chris) and grandchildren, Noah, David, Owen and Elliott. Predeceased by his parents Owen Franklin and Melva Jean (nee Cummings) and dear sister Sally Magill (Rick).
Greg was born into a closeknit St. John’s family in 1952. Greg was Mr. Collegiate in his graduating year at PWC, but his greatest accomplishment there was charming Susan, who became Mrs. Brown with the blessing of (and a permission note from) her parents in 1972. After winning the gold medal for top marks in physics in his graduating year at Memorial University, Greg enrolled in Dalhousie Law School, returning to St. John’s to start his private practice legal career in 1977. In 1981 he joined the Crown Attorney’s Office in Clarenville, which proved to be an ideal place to raise a young family while developing an expertise in and passion for the criminal law. After serving as the Senior Crown Attorney in Corner Brook, he was appointed to the Provincial Court bench in 1992 and presided over countless proceedings in St. John’s until his “retirement” in 2014. Even after retirement, Judge Brown continued to sit in courts around the province and on the provincial Mental Disorder Review Board until the start of his 71st year.
From the time he was a boy Judge Brown had a strong sense of justice, memorably marching into his sister Sally’s school to give a piece of his mind after she had been unfairly punished. He will be remembered as a skilled and knowledgeable jurist, but more so as a person who earnestly strove to do right, serving the best interests of the community while demonstrating insightful compassion for all those who appeared before him. His warmth and empathy were well known to the many friends he made across Canada, and especially to his adoring family. As a father, he freely shared his love and advice, and his children always knew how proud he was of them.
In his early 30’s golf became a healthy obsession that he shared with Susan and a wide circle of friends from the Twin Rivers, Blomidon, Bally Haley and Clovelly golf clubs. Playing music was his other great delight, from performing at the base in Argentia for the GIs headed off to Vietnam in the late ‘60s (which funded the purchase of his treasured Goya classical guitar), to doing Christmas shows with his chums from the Upsilon Singers at retirement homes in recent years. The family will fondly remember Greg and Susan’s living room performances of his favourite Beatles numbers.
We are so grateful for the wonderful care Greg received from the ALS team at the Miller Centre; Carolyn, Omar, Lisa, Jill and Kim at DRUGStore pharmacy; Dr. Susan MacDonald; Dr. Aaron McKim; Dr. Fraser Clift; and April Adams, RN. As Greg lived his journey with ALS, they made sure his physical needs were met, but more importantly provided essential emotional and moral support as he made his choices within the MAID program. He counted them among his friends.
At Greg’s request, there will be no funeral and the family will share the details for a celebration of life in the weeks to come.
Donations in Greg’s memory can be made to the ALS Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Susan and family:
Sending my condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Karen (Pottle) Smith
Susan and family,
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family with Greg’s passing! He was a wonderful and charming gentleman and he will always bring to mind the great friendship we had a very long time ago and the many meetings at Hunt’s with Geoff H.(d.), John H.(d.), Glenn S., Gerry P., Rob H., Bruce D., and Kerry C.
Thinking of you.
Bob and Cavelle Skanes
Dear Susan, Andy, Amy, Sarah and families,
I’m so terribly saddened to hear of Greg’s passing, on the one hand but delighted for him on the other. There is no easy path through ALS and I’m happy you’re all finished with it, most especially your beloved Greg.
We’ll be thinking of you all with love and wishing you peace. Renée and Paul Antle
.
Susan and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Greg’s passing. Our memories of Greg are all fond. He was such a talented, interesting guy….. All around, so so nice. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Fluff and Leo.
Well remember parties on the Tolt with my former husband Bruce . Especially remember one party a friend of our Bill Gannou,who worked for Molson , provided us with beer on tap in the back porch of our home . Everyone was delighted with the unique libation . Greg knew how to enjoy Life . Please pass my sympathy on to your entire Family . I had stayed in touch with John and Jeanie , even visited them in Ottawa on more than one occasion . Lost touch a few years back . Looks like they now living back in Newfie . Please give them my regards .My email gmae@ rogers.com
Susan ,Andy, Amy ,Sarah and all family of Greg
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Greg’s was a life well lived in so many ways.
John Brooks
So sorry to learn of Greg’s recent death. We send our thoughts and condolences to Susan and his family at this difficult time.
Greg was a charming and welcoming person to all. With his warmth, generosity and good humor hr was always good company and we were happy to call him a friend. He will be dearly missed.
Our deepest sympathy,
John and Susan
Susan and Family,
I am so sorry that Greg has died. He was a beloved classmate throughout my school years and although our paths rarely crossed in the time that followed, I was always delighted to see him when we met at reunions. The last time was in 2019. A half century of life’s accomplishments and challenges hadn’t changed him. He was still the smart, kind and smiling boy who frequently occupied the desk in front of me so many years before.
I hope all the lovely memories you have give comfort. My sincere condolences to you all.
I had the luxury to go to school with Andy and work with Amy, Sarah and Susan. You dad and husband had a wonderful family as he was a wonderful person. My condolence go out to all of you at this difficult time.
He sentenced my husband. He was very fair as a judge and we still have him in our memory as being just that. Rip judge brown to his family sorry for the loss of your husband and father and grandfather
So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was such a great guy. Sorry for your loss Susan!
Sarah, Chris, Owen & Elliott:
Thinking of you during this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss and want to extend my condolences to you all. Although no words can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one, know that I am here for you
Jordan Coffin
We are so sorry to hear that Judge Brown passed away. He was a wonderful judge and always a pleasure to appear before. He regularly revealed his appreciation of human nature and the law, not only by what he said, but by the twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by all. We are thinking of you and your whole family at this difficult time Andrew.
Sincerely,
Wendy and Rod Zdebiak
I t is always a shock to lose someone whom you considered a lifelong friend and for Helen and l Greg certainly fell into that catagory
We send our condolences to Sue and the children in their time of need. Forever remembered
Kerry and Helen Charles
Our most sincere condolences. Greg was always respected and admired, both professionally and personally. May he rest in peace.
Peter Bailey and Susan.P
Susan, Andy, Amy and Sarah – Caighlan and I want you to know that you are all in our thoughts. Greg was a warm, kind, intelligent person whose company we both enjoyed. He will be missed and he will be remembered well.
Susan & family.
My sincere condolences on Greg’s passing. He was a true gentleman and was very respectful & sincere to one & all. I knew Greg when he was a Crown Attorney in Corner Brook. I had the highest respect for Greg. He had a welcoming smile and always made time for you. He was a great Crown Attorney. I am thinking of his family, friends & colleagues at this time, as you support each other and celebrate a life well lived. Take care.
Susan, Andy and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Greg was a courageous and brilliant colleague. His sense of humour was as legendary as his smile and his kindness. May he rest in peace and may his wonderful legacy bring you peace in the days to come.
Jackie Brazil
Andrew and family. Condolences on His Honour’s passing. Although I never met him, I only heard good things about him and what a superb jurist he was.
SUSAN AND FAMILY I SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY ON THE SAD PASSING OF GREG. I CONSIDER HIM AND YOU GOOD FRIENDS and OF COURSE GREG TO BE A WONDERFUL COLLEAGUE. HE WILL BE MISSED. I SHARE IN YOU GRIEF AND YOUR LOSS WHICH I KNOW TO BE IMMENSE!
David Power .
While working as a crown attorney I had the honour of appearing before Judge Brown on countless occasions. He was delightful every time. His genuine compassion for those who appeared before him and his vast knowledge of the law was always evident. He was kind to counsel and everyone in the courtroom. His warmth, wisdom & heartfelt decisions in Family Violence Intervention Court can never be matched. Maya Angelo said something to the effect of, “People will forget what you say and what you do; but they will never forget how you made them feel”. This was very true of Judge Brown. People left his courtroom feeling better about themselves than when they came in. I’m honoured to have witnessed this. He was an example of kindness, wisdom & hope for everyone around him. He spread joy & dignity to some of the darkest places.
My heartfelt & sincere condolences go out to Judge Brown’s family, friends & loved ones. Through his work in & out of court, he touched more lives than can ever be known.
Susan and Family I was sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. Treasure all the memories you have made over the years.. It was always a pleasure to have a chat when we would meet. A fine gentleman. Rest in Peace Greg.
Susan and Family, my sincere condolences on Greg’s passing. He was very speciall and kind. Working with him was a pleasure and I am so sorry for your loss.
As a Crown Attorney, I had the pleasure of appearing before Judge Brown on many occasions. . He was always a gent and very kind. I also had the good fortune to listen to his fine guitar skills at many Rotary functions. He always took the time to say hello and crack a joke or two.
My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
-Shawn Patten
So very sorry to hear of Judge Brown’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him for many years at Provincial Court. A true gentleman who treated us all with great respect. Cherish your memories in the days ahead.. RIP Judge Brown!!
A fine and caring man. He was always thoughtful and
often smiling .
Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Judge Brown.. I had the pleasure of working with Judge Brown from his appointment until retirement. Thoughtful, kind, compassionate, respected. He will be missed. Rest easy Judge Brown.
Susan and Andrew , Rod and I are so sad to hear of Greg’s passing. He was truly a beautiful man with a kind and gentle spirit . What an honour it was to be his colleague in his senior years on the Provincial Court . His generosity will never be forgotten .
I am grateful to have known him and to have been the beneficiary of his wisdom , quiet confidence and ultimately of his human decency . He embodied all one can hope for a judge but for more importantly, he embodied all one can hope for from humankind .
May you and your family now find peace in knowing that his life was well lived and that your sorrow is shared by all the people who have known him .
Jackie
Susan, and family I was very saddened to hear about Greg’s passing.. I always enjoyed my rounds of golf and conversations with you guys at Clovelly. I was disheartened by his diagnosis a few years ago but was buoyed by his ongoing spirit and drive. He was a fine gentleman who could always be counted on for his dry wit to produce a chuckle.. My sincere condolences.
Eminently distinguished in the law. He was beloved for the simplicity of his manners and the benevolence of his heart., respected his inflexible integrity and his pure and unaffected piety. In all the relations of his professional life he was sagacious, candid, diligent and humane. Firm in purpose, gentle in execution; justly confident in his own judgment yet generously open to the opinions of others. Liberal and indulgent to his brethren but ever mindful of his duty to the public. A rare union of intellectual and moral worth.
May it extend to future generations the salutary influence which his living example can no longer diffuse.
– Mark Pike and Pamela Goulding
Fond memories of Greg as a classmate in PWC’s class of ’69 – a truly decent fellow, and so well liked by all as his crown as Mr. Collegiate attests. While our time at Dal Law school overlapped, by then Greg was married so I only saw him fleetingly on campus. I never had any legal interaction with him as my career has been in NS, but the wonderful tributes come as no surprise., It was a genuine delight to reconnect with Greg at our PWC 50 Year reunion in 2019, and I found he had not changed at all. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Susan,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Greg will always be a part of our family’s fondest memories. I am sure you and your children have lots of wonderful family memories to bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Once the acute pain of his loss eases, I hope they also bring you peace and happy reminders of the life you shared.
Sincerely,
Christine Snelgrove
To Susan and Family,
Even though we have moved residence, we have fond memories of the wonderful man that was Greg. He always had a smile and we really enjoyed the musical offerings by yourself and Greg during our Osprey Christmas socials.
Please accept our sincere condolences. May God bless you all.
Jim and Dorothy Long
Susan and family, we are so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. Jack and I had the privilege to meet Greg while working at Clovelly. Greg was a kind and gentle soul and we are all blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, buddy!
Kendra and Jack Constantine
Susan, my deep sympathy to you and your children on Greg’s passing. I first met Greg as a fellow lawyer many years ago but only got to really know him when we began to play bridge together about 10 years ago. He was always part of our regular foursome and we played regularly, as you know.. We played hundreds of games together over those years .Greg was a very good player and made few mistakes. We were all competitive but were there for the fun. The last game we had was just last month .when he told us that it would probably be his last game. On the morning of his passing he sent a cryptic text message to his bridge buddies saying his goodbyes and I replied saying that I woukd always have fond memories of our get-togethers over the yeasrs..
Even as his condition deteriorated, Greg never lost his smile and sense of humour. He’ll be sadly missed.
Susan and family, so sorry to hear about Greg’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. We thoroughly enjoyed his company both on and off the golf course. He will be missed from our men’s foursome and get togethers after the game. A true gentleman indeed.
Hold on to your most beautiful memories they will help you through the days to come. RIP Greg.
Susan -Andrew and extended family of Greg
His obituary describes a life – well lived.
Greg and I had many interactions over the years,
either on various files or when he was on the Bench.
He a quiet and confident demeanour – he was engaging and obliging.
He was an all round “ good fella “
As can be seen from the comments -Greg was well respected and well liked .
He is now at rest and may that rest be in peace.
Sincere condolences to those who mourn his passing.
Godspeed Greg
Susan, Andrew and family. Truly a great loss and gone way too soon. Greg was indeed a true gentleman. I recall his love and passion for golf, and even more evident when I would see him at Clovelly putting his best foot forward after his diagnosis and always with a smile on his face. His efforts were inspiring. Please accept sincerest condolences from my wife Yvonne and I.
Terry Lane.
I am so saddened to hear of Greg’s passing. The kindness and Patience., he granted me as a young lawyer in Clarenville has struck with me through out my professional life. I still marvel at his ability to remain calm and professional in what I refer to as the judge Culton days. He would know what I mean.
To Susan and family; our condolences on the passing of Greg. My son and I have played a few rounds with you and Greg along with a number of chats. He was a fine and pleasant man. We both enjoyed the conversations and games that we had with him.
Shawn and Shannon Keough
Andrew and entire family I was saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I had the pleasure of appearing before him many times at the Provincial Court. He was a very kind and gentle soul and I am sure will be greatly missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Brenda Boyd
Susan so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing, condolences from myself and Ed. To you and your family.
Good man, good friend. Good musician.
He will be missed
Tom and Judy Chalker
Extending deepest condolences to the family at this sad time. I had the pleasure of working with Judge Brown at Provincial Court for quite a few years. We most recently communicated on his birthday when we both agreed that retirement was the best ‘gig’ we ever had. RIP Judge Brown – it was an honour and privilege to have known you.
Susan and family,
Please accept our most sincere sympathies to you, and your family on your most terrible loss. As a very close community we grieve with you and feel your loss. We cannot express our condolences without acknowledging Greg’s invaluable assistance as a member and past president of our condominium community. His legal knowledge and ability were invaluable to the board and much appreciated. We will miss his wise input in the future. Susan, know that our thoughts are with you as you grieve Greg’s passing and also know that as neighbours we will all be here to support you. Should you need assistance with anything please feel free to reach out..
Kind Regards.
Roseanne and Alex and
Board Members of the Osprey Condo Corporation
So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He will always be remembered by the members of the Rotary club of Avalon Northeast. Along with his fellow band mates he jbrought much joy to our group at our annual family Christmas dinner.. our sincere condolences.
Jerry and Lorraine Young
Andrew,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. Take care!
Andrew, and all family, condolences to all. Your father was a kind and thoughtful person. I am sure he will be missed, yet remembered so fondly.
Susan and family. We remember Greg fondly from our times together early in his career. In Clarenville and later in St. John’s. A real gentleman who will be missed by the many who knew him.
To the Brown family:
I had the privilege of working with Judge Brown during his tenure at the Family Violence Intervention Court. This was unequivocally, the highlight of my 30 year career with the Department of Justice. It was a pleasure to be in his Court where his decisions were sound, his advice sage and where he was always, always in good humour. I believe I can say, without fear of contradiction, that each and every member of the FVIC team 2012 hold fond memories of our time spent with him. I am deeply saddened by his death. Please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
So sorry to hear of Greg‘s passing. Was not aware that he was ill. However, I did have the pleasure bracket, and sometimes not the pleasure, of appearing before him in court over the years. A very nice human being, and clearly one who enjoyed the short life he’s lead.
My thoughts are with the family and of course memories of Greg.
Sincerely, Denis Barry KC
Sorry to hear this.Condollences to family and friends.Always enjoyed being with him professionally and socially.
Mrs. Brown and family, please accept my sympathies on the passing of Judge Brown.
I say all the time that I met some wonderful people during my career in the legal system in Newfoundland. Judge Brown was truly one of those people. It has been many years since I saw him, but I do remember his respect, honesty, fairness and the sincerity with which he asked and listened. I think I remember a hearty laugh and a funny story in there as well.
I wish you peace in your grief safe in the knowledge that others share your mourning.
i am so saddened to hear of Judge Brown’s passing. I had the great pleasure of working with him at Provincial Court. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Susan, so sad to hear your husbands passing. You probably don’t remember me but I used to babysit the kids on Tolt Road. I remember yours and Greg’s Christmas tree it had eggshell carton cups made with tinfoil. Greg would have been in law school I’m thinking then. On New Years Eve that year I babysat and you and Greg gave me 100.00. And I was so overjoyed. That was a lot of money in those days. I’ve thought of you and Greg and the kids through the years. Greg was always so kind and thoughtful. My heartfelt condolences.
Andy and family, our sincerest condolences on the passing of your lovely Father. Hoping the days ahead aren’t too difficult. Much love to you all!
Gina, Derek & Boys
My sympathies to all.He was a true gentleman.
Rest in Peace Judge Brown.
Susan and family, I was so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. My sincere condolences to all the family. May your beautiful memories bring you peace in the days ahead..
Always a gentleman and a pleasure to appear before.
Condolences to Susan and Family. We were privileged to have an opportunity to share a good few rounds of golf together and get to know Greg for the fine person that he was.
To Susan and family sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.
We first came to know Greg when he was appointed to the Provincial Court Bench in 1992 where he made a mark as an outstanding friend and colleagues..
Greg was modest of demeanour, respectful and companionate to all.
Apart from his proficiency as a fine jurist Greg had many talents including his music, his golf prowess and his facility with math and physics. When Greg came to our court we were in the early stages of introducing computerization. At that time computers were very crude by todays standards with MS-DOS programming and storage on floppy disks. I was awed by Greg’s facility with lengthy passwords and formulas used in computer operations and usage – a trait consistent with his accomplishments in Physics at MUN and Law at Dalhousie.. He was a great resource for staff in our transition to a computer environment.
When Greg retired from the Provincial Court I was pleased to learn that he was following me as Chair of the Criminal Code Review Board which was unfortunately cut short by his passing.
To Greg’s family may you have many fond and loving memories. To our good friend may you RIP.
To Greg’s family, my sincere condolences.. A true gentleman. RIP
It was a very sad day at Provincial Court today when we heard the news of Judge Brown’s passing. He was a very special person who showed nothing but respect for his peers and staff. Susan and family, may the many memories you have help you through this difficult time. We will miss him but his memory will live on through the many memories he has left behind. RIP Judge Brown 🙏
Susan and family, please accept my deepest sympathy. The Brown Family are certainly brave of heart. Wishing you all peace during this time of grief.
Carla
I had the pleasure of working with Judge Brown for many years at Provincial Court. He was a favourite among the Court Reporters as we once were known as. He was aways pleasant and kind and treated us respectfully. My condolences to all who mourn him.
Joanne Walsh
My condolences to Susan and family. I will remember him fondly as a wonderful guitar player, especially the times when he would play and Susan would sing..
Rest In Peace.
To Greg’s family,
I have fond memories of Greg from high school and remember clearly the night he was crowned Mr.. Collegiate . We all knew he would win as he was the best choice! Greg is yet another schoolmate lost this year and it is sad to see our numbers dwindle. Although, like so many of us ,we lost touch after highschool, but I have thought of Greg many times over the years. Our mutual friends ,Steve and Jane Shortall, have kept me updated on Greg’s courageous journey. Deepest sympathy to everyone! Terry Stokes Sharpe
Sarah, Amy and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. High school was a long time ago but i remember being at your house and hearing his big laugh. I was always so impressed that your dad was a judge. Peace can be found in being pain free. You and your family are in my deepest thoughts. xoxo
My sincere condolences to you Susan and your Family.
He will be sadly missed.
So sorry to hear of Judge Browns passing. I worked with him for about 35 years. He was such a gentle man. May he rest in peace
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless.
Our condolences to Susan and the family.. I personally worked with Judge Brown at the Provincial Court. He always had a smile and a kind word. RIP
Dayna and Bob Simmonds
Saddened to hear of Greg’s passing .Enjoyed our relationship, both professional and socially, over the years. Our sincere condolences are extended to you at this time.
My sincerest condolences to Susan and family on the passing of my old friend Greg he was a good man.
Andy & family
Sorry to hear of your Dads passing, I’m sure many life lessons taught & great memories remain
Kevin Dunphy
Susan so sorry for loss
Prayers and thoughts are with you
Susan and Family
I am sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
To Susan and family,
Greg was such a lovely man. I throughly enjoyed every conversation I had with him. Always a smile and lots of laughter. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
To Susan and family; thoughts and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time. Greg was an absolute joy to chat with about law or golf. Always had a smile and a wave for me when we would meet at Clovelly, Golf course. R.I.P. SIR ; well deserved
Susan and family, My condolences to you on the passing of Greg. I know it has been a long and difficult road with Greg’s illness over the past couple of years. He was such a kind man. I loved appearing before him in court. He was always prepared and absolutely fair. If we had more like him the world would be a much better place. RIP Greg.
My sincere condolences to Susan and family. I had the privilege of working with Greg at the Crown Attorney’s Office in Corner Brook and again, just a year later became his colleague as a judge of the Provincial Court. He was quietly knowledgeable and wise. and well respected by his peers.
My deepest sympathy to Susan and the Brown family.
Barry Learmonth